Skukuza Restcamp
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Skukuza is the Kruger National Park's largest Restcamp and also presently the Park's administrative headquarters, although there is debate about moving this function to Phalaborwa on the borders of the central region of the Park.
Skukuza is named after James Stevenson-Hamilton (locally called "he who sweeps clean" for his village clearing and anti-poaching rigour), a visionary early Warden of the Sabie Reserve who was instrumental in Kruger's early history.
Skukuza is situated in a lovely spot on the southern banks of the Sabie River, adjacent to the old river bridge where the railway entered the area- the old bush station, complete with steam locomotive, is now the Selati restaurant, with a carriage converted to a Sports Bar.
Satellite picture of Skukuza, including the old Railway river bridge and Camp swimming pools. © Google Earth
The camp is huge but well landscaped and not overwhelming. Indeed, may of the Kruger's numerous special events take place here, and Skukuza is certainly also the best place to obtain those hard-to-find goods or services in the Park.
There is a real bank (not just an ATM) in camp, along with restaurants, a cafeteria, a petrol station and a first aid facility. There is a garage with a workshop and car-wash. The notorious Skukuza Golf Course is close by.
Ona Davis from Skukuza Nursery and Sandra Basson, project manager of the Boardwalk, celebrate its opening
A recent addition to the locality has been the elevated boardwalk running for a distance of 300m above the artificial wetland created by Lake Panic Dam. It is well marked out with signs interpreting the botany, and is wheelchair friendly. It starts at the Skukuza Nursery's carpark. The Nursery itself has also been open to the public since 1977, and offers a variety of indigenous plant species for sale.
Staying here
There is an industry of accommodation at Skukuza Camp, starting with 187 Rondavels which will accommodate 2 or 3 people. All have an en-suite bath or shower with hot water. Air conditioning is installed in some; ceiling fans in others. Similarly, some have kitchenettes with hotplates, fridges and sinks, some do not. Enquire as you book.
A number of Luxury Bungalows offer accommodation for two, with a double bed, quality decor, air–conditioning and have television offering limited DSTV channels. You have a choice of luxury units with a riverside view and kitchen, or semi-lux units without a river view and with communal kitchen. Bungalows along the river frontage have a more modern design with glass sliding doors.
There are fifteen Guest Cottages here, which cope with either 4 or 6 guests. There is usually more than one bathroom. Please check whilst booking.
Well equipped Guest Houses sleep 8-12 and cost more, but have prime positions, all with river views. There are well–equipped kitchens (with microwave ovens), multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Limited channel DSTV televisions are provided.
Safari Tents accomodate 2-4, and camping/ caravan sites are available for up to 6 people per site.
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